[heidi]

I've tried a new mono conversion in PS.

I used to just use levels, curves and gradient maps - but tried something different and would be interested in thoughts on this.

Thanks so much.

Before:
After:

[Dabhand16]

My 'knee-jerk' reaction is there is a bit too much contrast. I suspect that your usual conversion technique is looking to do just that, so in this respect, you have succeeded.

My take on it is that the little furry things (you can see my knowledge on zoology is a little lacking) have enough contrast in their markings already, and your conversion has lost the mid tone detail.

If I'm being REALLY picky, the one on the left is not looking at the camera...........

[heidi]

Thanks for that - I'm quite fond of high contrast images so can oftern over do it!

[lolyton]

I'm thinking that it is probably just a little too contrasty, not unbearable though. I'm interested to know what the something different was?

[heidi]

Here's the process I used:
Duplicate the image > convert copy to CMYK
Adjust levels indivdually for Magenta , Cyan, Yellow channels
Return to view all CMYK channels
Copy the image back to the original as a new layer - using the hard light blend mode
Then add gradient map adjustment layer to finish.

I'm thinking that maybe a change in the blend mode of the contrast layer (the duplicate image) may work better?

[Dave]

OK, hopefully this method is much simpler.

With colour shot open I went to the "Channels" view (tab under layers on PS)
- I then clicked through the Red, Green & Blue channels to see the Mono views
- Red was too light, Blue too dark with Green being near spot on
- Clicked back to RGB channel. We are now back to where we started when opening the shot. All the steps above were a quick way to see which Channel mix is right.

Step 1) Image -> Adjustments -> Channel Mixer -> Green 100% & click monochrome box
Step 2) Filter -> Sharpen -> Unsharp mask at 100%, 1.0, 0

Gives this shot :-



As the shot was already grainy I don't think it detracts too much from shot....but just in case, here is one run through a noiseware plugin, with a vignette added also



Hope this helps

[lolyton]

Originally Posted by Dave

Step 1) Edit -> Adjustments -> Channel Mixer -> Green 100% & click monochrome box

Just in case there is any confusion on my computer the channel mixer is found under the IMAGE menu, rather than the EDIT menu!

[Dave]

Originally Posted by lolyton

Just in case there is any confusion on my computer the channel mixer is found under the IMAGE menu, rather than the EDIT menu!

Oooops, expect I got that wrong. Tx for pointing out Lolyton....I'll update my post

[heidi]

Thanks Dave and Lolyton for that. I'll give that a try on another Zoo shot.